Differences in the digestive biochemistry between the intertidal clam, Ruditapes decussatus, and the subtidal clam, Venerupis pullastra

The present study was aimed to evaluate differences in physicochemical characteristics (pH and temperature optima) of the main digestive enzymes (amylase, cellulase, laminarinase, and protease) in two commercially important bivalves, the intertidal clam, Ruditapes decussatus, and the subtidal clam,...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Albentosa, Marina, Moyano, F.J.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2009
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/320557
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/320557
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Medio Marino
Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia
Descripción
Sumario:The present study was aimed to evaluate differences in physicochemical characteristics (pH and temperature optima) of the main digestive enzymes (amylase, cellulase, laminarinase, and protease) in two commercially important bivalves, the intertidal clam, Ruditapes decussatus, and the subtidal clam, Venerupis pullastra, as well to assess individual variability of such activities. The assays were performed on extracts obtained from the digestive glands and crystalline styles of individuals collected in the wild and laboratory-conditioned during 1 week. In both species, maximum activity for amylase and cellulase was measured at pH 6 and that of laminarinase at pH 5.5, while pH profiles of protease activity showed important differences between them. Temperature profiles also showed interspecific variations, mainly in laminarinase. Carbohydrase activities were comparatively much higher in R. decussatus and proteolytic activities in V. pullastra. The observed differences both in physicochemical characteristics and relative importance of digestive enzymes are discussed in relation to the amount and type of food available in their respective habitats.